Chambers also shared with the commission a request from SWARK.Today, asking if they wanted to advertise again in this year’s Progress Edition as they have for the last few years. After a brief discussion about what items to showcase, such as the updated pocket park and the new paved lots, the commission approved the ad.

In other business, Chambers gave an update on permits and payments. Chambers said that the issue of late tax payments has improved. Many businesses who were behind are now caught up and only two businesses are sixty days behind. Certified letters will be sent to those businesses on March 13th. 

In miscellaneous business and updates, Chambers shared with the commission that the Debra McMaster Softball Tournament is scheduled for this weekend, weather permitting. She said that the weather forecast was a concern so alternate plans were being formed. If it rains both Thursday and Friday, then they would probably have to cancel. If it only rains Thursday, then they will try to play Friday and Saturday. She said she would provide updates when plans were finalized. 

Also coming up is the Jonquil Festival this weekend, the big eclipse event in April, and Train Day in May. She said planning for the eclipse event was nearing a close with only a few small details left. For Train Day, Chambers said there would be no cornhole tourney this year and that they were working on new activities for kids and families. One such activity would be a train/boxcar race for kids. The kids could decorate their boxes like trains and then run a race down Main Street; prizes would be given for winners in different categories. She said more details would be coming soon. The rib cook-off, the car show, and live music will take place again on Train Day, and this year’s headliner will be Wyatt Putman.  

Chambers also shared with the commission that next year will be Hope’s 150th anniversary so plans are in the works for a sesquicentennial celebration, as well as promotional items and memorabilia for the City of Hope that could be sold at the Train Depot and other places.